On behalf of Simon Rumpel, University Mainz:

3yr Graduate studentship position

Long-term dynamics of sound-evoked activity patterns in mouse auditory cortex

 

University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany

A graduate student position is available in the Systemic Neurophysiology Research Group at the University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany. The research group of Simon Rumpel is interested in understanding neuronal mechanisms of auditory perception and memory. Combining behavioral training and chronic in vivo two-photon imaging techniques in mice, we have monitored the dynamics of individual synaptic connections (e.g. Moczulska et al., 2013, PNAS; Loewenstein et al., 2015, J. Neurosci.) and analyzed how sounds are encoded in neuronal populations in the neocortex (Bathellier et al., 2012, Neuron). 

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a strong interest in learning a variety of experimental and theoretical approaches to solve complex biological problems. The focus of the project is on the establishment and application of chronic imaging of sound-evoked activity patterns in transgenic mouse lines at the mesoscopic scale. This involves in-depth training in physiology, imaging methodology and data analysis. This project is part of an ongoing collaboration with Matthias Kaschube’s computational neuroscience group at the FIAS in Frankfurt and is ideally suited for a person with a background in physics or a related discipline interested to move into the neurosciences. The starting date is September 2016 or later. 

The applicant should have a master’s degree or diploma at the time of admission, have excellent communication skills, and should be interested in working in a collaborative and international environment. In-depth knowledge in programming (e.g. Matlab) and hardware control is a requirement and previous experience in imaging or neuroscience would be beneficial. 

· We offer a highly interactive environment with state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment.

· The student will be embedded in the Focus Program in Translational Neurosciences (FTN) of the Mainz Neuroscience community (http://www.ftn.uni-mainz.de/eng/index.php).

For further information, or to apply, please contact Prof. Simon Rumpel (sirumpel@uni-mainz.de). Applications should include a motivation letter including research interests, the CV and email addresses of 1-2 referees. Application deadline is April 30th 2016



-- 
Prof. Dr. Simon Rumpel

Working Group Systemic Neurophysiology
Institute of Physiology
Focus Program Translational Neurosciences (FTN)
University Medical Center
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz

Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch Weg 19
55128 Mainz, Germany

Tel:	+49 (0) 6131 39-27355
E-Mail: sirumpel@uni-mainz.de